The Saints just can’t catch a break. They wrapped up their 2024 season with a disappointing 5-12 record, and things took a turn for the worse when quarterback Derek Carr suffered an injury. Since then, head coach Kellen Moore has been busy reshuffling key pieces in hopes of a turnaround. However, the latest medical reports have only added to their growing list of concerns.

Carr received a major injury update, and the team has outlined a worst-case scenario. On Sunday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport shocked Saints fans when he reported that QB Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that could impact his availability for the 2025 season. Carr is currently weighing his options, including potential surgery. It was the kind of update that made fans stop mid-scroll and do a double-take.

A few hours later, physical therapist and football injury analyst Jeff Mueller added, “Huge news leading up to the draft for the Saints. Weighing options, including surgery, makes me think of a labral or AC injury, but no actual details have been released yet. If surgery isn’t warranted, I would think Derek Carr would be ready for the 2025 season. Now we wait.” So, while the worst-case scenario could mean Carr missing the entire 2025 season, there’s still a glimmer of hope.

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According to Draft Sharks, it’s a grade-one injury, and there is nearly a 30% chance of injury, which is quite low. Carr broke several bones in his non-throwing hand in Week 14’s win against the Giants on December 8, 2024. He missed a total of seven games in the previous season. The Saints had to start the game with QBs Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener in Carr’s absence.

Now the question remains- who will be the starting quarterback in place? Though the above two players played well last season, the team and fans want a strong, long-term QB. There is also a chance that Kellen Moore’s franchise would choose any free agent quarterback from the free agency. The Saints still have $27 M in cap space. And one great option is waiting on the Saints’ gate since Derek Carr‘s injury news came out.

Is Carr’s injury an opportunity for Aaron Rodgers to strike a deal?

Since Ian Rapoport’s report, rumors have been swirling around New Orleans. While top names like Kirk Cousins remain in the conversation, one of the most buzzed-about possibilities is Aaron Rodgers. With Mike Tomlin’s Steelers still holding out hope for the 41-year-old veteran, a new door might be opening for Rodgers in the Big Easy. The $5.5 billion franchise has the resources—and possibly the urgency—to make a bold move.

The Steelers-Rodgers saga may be far from over, but it’s no secret that Aaron Rodgers is exploring options beyond Pittsburgh. Reports suggest the situation there might not be ideal for him—especially with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, whose track record with veteran quarterbacks has raised some concerns. The friction between Russell Wilson and Smith is a recent example. That’s why the Saints, under Kellen Moore, are emerging as a more favorable landing spot.

But the veteran QB is reportedly waiting for the draft. Once the draft concludes—or even during it—teams often feel increased pressure to sign an available quarterback. Aaron Rodgers is savvy enough to know that.

Another layer to the story: Rodgers doesn’t want to end up like Kirk Cousins, who’s now scrambling to find a team. But that’s a conversation for another day.

For now, when it comes to Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr, one thing is clear—Carr’s injury has opened the door for Rodgers in New Orleans. Now, all eyes are on head coach Kellen Moore and how he chooses to move forward.